Waheeda Rehman was against wearing bikini and changing name

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman today said that she was clear on two things when she started her film career - one that she will not wear a bikini and other that she would not change her name as was the phenomenon at that point of a time.

Waheeda Rehman. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Though some actresses of her times featured in films wearing a bikini, feels she did not have the figure to carry it well. The book titled 'Conversations with Waheeda Rehman' by author Nasreen Munni Kabir was launched this evening by the actress.

"I remember when I was working with Guru Dutt I had incorporated a clause in the contract that I would have the final say on the costumes and won't wear costumes that I don't like. He (Guru Dutt) wanted me to watch his films which I did, but I was adamant about having the clause," Rehman said at the book launch event here. "I didn't want to wear a bikini as I feel I don't have the figure.

In fact I have never worn a sleeveless blouse also be it in films or in my personal life," she said. When asked about today's actresses, who wear bikini on screen, Rehman says that times have changed and that those who have figure can afford to wear it. Rehman was also sure she won't change her name as was the case that time with actors like Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and others.

"People told me my name was long and lengthy and had asked me to change it. That time change of name was a fashion then as actors like Dilip Kumar, Madhubala, Meena Kumari had changed their names.

I was adamant that I will not change my name as it was given by my parents," she added. Of all the roles that she portrayed on screen the character of Rosie from the film Guide was something that Rehman liked a lot. "I think I was destined to play Rosie as Vijay Anand and Satyajit Ray both were contemplating to make a film like this.

But it was Vijay who made it. I got the chance to dance as no one thought I could do it. The role was different as most of them were not ready to play the role of a married woman, who lives with another man as she is abandoned by her husband," Rehman said. "I wanted to play a different kind of roles. I am glad this part came to me. It was challenging and I loved doing this film," she said.